Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)

News: Starting October 15, some stricter measures to fight air pollution will come into force in Delhi’s neighbourhood, as part of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

Facts:

• In pursuant with Supreme Court’s order in the M. C. Mehta vs. Union of India (2016) regarding air quality in National Capital Region of Delhi, the Graded Response Action Plan was notified by MoEFCC in 2017.
• Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of stratified actions that are taken once the pollution level reaches a certain specified limit. It works only as an emergency measure.
• Under GRAP, there are 4 stages of pollution – Moderate to Poor, Very Poor, Severe and Severe+ or Emergency and action are listed that need to be undertaken as the levels are breached. The categories have been made on the basis of PM 2.5 and PM 10 in the atmosphere.
• The GRAP is implemented by the Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA).

Additional Information:

EPCA:

• It is a Supreme Court mandated body tasked with taking various measures to tackle air pollution in Delhi NCR.
• It was constituted in 1998 under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.